Doval hopes settlement of Naga problem will happen soon

New Delhi/Kohima, Nov 5 (IANS) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday told Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang that he hoped that a settlement to the decades-old Naga problem will happen soon.

“Everyone wishes for an early solution and it is important to look at what one can do towards achieving that objective,” said Doval, according to a statement issued by Nagaland Chief Minister’s Office in Kohima.

Zeliang, who was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio, on Sunday met Doval in New Delhi and urged a solution to the longstanding problem.

On August 3, 2015, the Central government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Issac Muivah (NSCN-IM) signed the Framework Agreement. However, neither side released its details.

“Given the progress made and especially with the involvement of the six Naga national political groups along with NSCN-IM in the talks, this is the most opportune time for a solution. Further, given that the state is scheduled to have assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of the Naga political issue is done before the elections,” Zeliang told Doval.

“This is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas,” he added.

Appreciating the initiative of Chief Minister and his colleagues, Doval hoped that “settlement of Naga political issue will be done soon”.

He also asked the Nagaland ministers to suggest what all the Central government do for a solution to the issue before Christmas.

Assuring that the Nagaland government’s advice will be fully considered by Central government, Doval said: “It has to be a win-win situation for all. We have to together create a congenial atmosphere for acceptance of the agreement between Government of India and Naga National groups so that one can move ahead on the path of development and leave the history of clashes and violence behind.”